Neighbourhood planning

The Localism Act introduces some fundamental changes to the planning system, including the creation of neighbourhood planning.

Neighbourhood planning allows communities to come together through a local parish council or neighbourhood forum to help shape the future of their areas. This includes where new houses, businesses and shops should go or what new development should look like. Plans could be simple or complex; they could contain several policies or they could directly grant planning permission for specific developments or uses.

Plans need to fit in with national and strategic policies.

Current neighbourhood area consultations

There are currently no consultations taking place for neighbourhood areas.

Approved neighbourhood areas

On 9 February 2015, we designated a neighbourhood area in Wooburn and Bourne End parish. This area follows the parish boundaries, and is the same area as that applied for by Wooburn and Bourne End Parish Council. The documents below set out a map of the neighbourhood area and a statement setting out a summary of the consultation on the proposed area and the reasons for the designation.

On 2 March 2015, we designated a neighbourhood area in Longwick-cum-Ilmer parish. This area follows the parish boundaries, and is the same area as that applied for by Longwick-cum-Ilmer Parish Council. The documents below set out a map of the neighbourhood area and a statement setting out a summary of the consultation on the proposed area and the reasons for the designation.

This note sets out the main elements of the Localism Act 2011 which relate specifically to planning issues. The note attempts to provide clarity and assistance for stakeholders on these planning-related themes.

The general Neighbourhood Planning Regulations, held on Legislation.gov.uk. These regulations govern the overall process of setting up Neighbourhood Areas and Neighbourhood forums, Community right to build orders and Neighbourhood development plans.